Video: The Bears of Blue River “Cry Baby”
Avoca, Nebraska is the home of the annual Avoca Quack Off. I never thought that an event that honored the art of the duck race would be highlighted on this blog. The crazy world of independent music truly carries us listeners to the most mysterious of places. Chicago band and frequent Indianapolis scene crasher, The Bears of Blue River decided to add some of their folk flavor to this year’s event. Get in V-formation with your bearded friends and watch their performance of “Cry Baby” at this year’s festivities. Pick up their album Dames via Bandcamp.
Connect with Bears of Blue River via Facebook
Written by Brett McGrath
Video: Surfer Blood “I’m Not Ready” (Live in L.A.)
One year ago today, a few lucky fans in Los Angeles got an early peek at what wound up being one of 2011’s best songs. “I’m Not Ready” from Surfer Blood‘s Tarot Classics EP is a winner folks. In the video below, frontman John Paul Pitts and the boys are still a little rough around the edges. But one needs to look no further than the confident faces of Surfer Blood’s members to be assured they knew what they were on to. Tarot Classics was a release both Brett and I have lost sleep over omitting from our year-end “best of” lists. I listen to it weekly. Get a glimpse of one of 2011’s best tracks, before any of us knew exactly what we were in for.
Written by Rob Peoni
Fresh Track: Cold Country “Take it From Me (Nicole Marie)”
Cold Country is the new project from Chicago musician Sean McConnell. Track, “Take It From Me (Nicole Marie)” was posted on Cold Country’s Bandcamp page last Thursday. Strong song writing and polished musicianship are displayed during my introduction to McConnell’s work. Although, McConnell calls Chicago home, a local tie was uncovered after Dan Snodgrass of the Bonesetters introduced me to this song. McConnell is responsible for mastering the tracks for the Bonesetters debut SAVAGES!. This should provide readers some street credibility as ‘Savages’ made room on our year-end lists. This proves to be another great story of Midwest musicians working together to help promote each other’s music. I concept that I am always excited to endorse.
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 